Top specs and features

Design

Devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better experience.

2.has a detachable cable

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

With a detachable cable you can use alternative cables, and if the cable is pulled it will pop out instead of breaking.

3.has an over-the-ear form

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

Comfortable full-size form with earcups that fully enclose your ears. This model is loved for its increased sound isolation and the fact that it won't leak sound to your neighbors. It offers potential for maximum bass and loudness levels.

4.weight

195g

221.1g

245g

Best

Sony MDR-EX150AP

3g

5.has a tangle free cable

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

The cable is designed to minimize tangling.

For example

SoundMagic E11C

6.has an in-ear form

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

The in-ear device is ultracompact and lightweight, with little or no interference with earrings, spectacles, hats, or hairstyles. It is inserted in the ear canal itself and blocks out a lot of environmental noise. It has stronger bass tones and is unlikely to fall out of the ear.

For example

JBL Under Armour True Wireless Flash

Sound quality

1.highest frequency

22000Hz

22000Hz

28000Hz

The highest frequency at which device produces audio. The higher the high-frequency response, the clearer and crispier the treble.

Best

Sony MDR-Z1R

120000Hz

2.lowest frequency

18Hz

18Hz

3Hz

The lowest frequency at which the device produces audio. The lower the low-frequency response, the stronger and juicier the bass.

Best

Sony MH1CBLK

1Hz

3.has sound isolation/passive noise reduction

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

The device sits tightly in place, creating an acoustic seal which reduces background noise and prevents your music from leaking out.

4.sound pressure level

101dB/mW

113dB/mW

105dB/mW

Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source.

Best

AKG K553 Pro

144dB/mW

5.impedance

32 Ohms

18 Ohms

24 Ohms

Impedance is the device’s electrical resistance to the current being pushed through it. The lower the impedance, the easier it is to get higher volume and requires less power.

Best

Flips Solo 2 Social

4 Ohms

6.has a neodymium magnet

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

Devices with neodymium magnets are lighter and more powerful than those which use ferrite magnets. They also have more bass and clear high notes.

Power

1.has a battery level indicator

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

An indicator shows you when the device has low battery.

2.has a rechargeable battery

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

The battery can be recharged and used over again.

3.has a removable battery

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

The battery is removable and can be replaced by the user if broken.

For example

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H9i

Connectivity

1.Can be used wirelessly

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

Wireless devices allow users more freedom of movement.

2.has a 3.5mm male connector

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

A standard 3.5mm male connector is suitable for use with all MP3 players and computer sound cards.

3.supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

Device supports fast Bluetooth pairing using NFC so it can communicate with other devices over Bluetooth. You can fastly pair devices without entering a code by simply holding one device next to the device with which it is to be paired.

4.Has WiFi

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

The device can connect to WiFi.

For example

Meters OV-1 Bluetooth

Features

1.control panel placed on a device

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

There is a control panel on the device body, so you can easily access the volume control or remote without having to interact with a cable or another device it's connected to.

2.can be used as a headset

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

A headset is one headphone or pair with a built-in microphone. Headsets can be used for applications which require communication i.e. Skype, games with voice chat, mobile phones etc.

3.has an in-line control panel

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

There is a control panel on the cable, so you can easily operate the device without having to interact with it.

4.number of microphones

1

2

1

More microphones result in better sound quality and enable the device to filter out background noise.

Best

Parrot Zik Sport

8

5.has a noise canceling microphone

LSTN Troubadours

Sennheiser HD 4.50 BTNC

Sony MDR-XB950B1

These microphones are designed to filter out background noise from the desired sound. Especially useful in noisy environments.